Audrey Ellen (Steinke) Wiseman, age 91, of Tomah Wisconsin passed away on January 27, 2025 at Touch of Home assisted living center. She was born on January 6, 1934, at her childhood home in Kendall, WI to Sylvia (Webb) and Herbert Steinke.
She grew up in a farming community and attended school in Wilton. Audrey and beau John Wiseman were Prom King and Queen in 1950. Audrey and John loved to dance the Schottische and had a favorite song titled “The Blue Skirt Waltz”. She graduated in 1951.
Audrey and John married on February 23, 1952 and were married for 53 years before John’s death on October 26, 2004. Their marriage was blessed with ten children, five girls and five boys. Audrey was in constant motion as the family grew cooking, cleaning and attending school functions. When the children became teenagers and had nightly activities Audrey would wait up until everyone checked in, while she waited she watched classic black and white movies. Her love of movies was passed down to many of her children.
As the children left home she was employed at Toro and as a sales representative at the Cash Store. Audrey encouraged family to seek continued education and international travel. She embraced travel herself with trips to Ireland, Germany, Italy, Denmark, the former Soviet Union and Australia. She also enjoyed traveling in the United States visiting areas from Florida to Alaska and Hawaii.
Audrey enjoyed outdoor activities at “Johnny Playhouse” a cabin with 40 acres by Leon, WI. There were many summer bonfires, fall hikes, seasonal hunting gatherings, and toboggan parties. Everyone always requested her famous potato salad, cheesy potatoes, sugar and spice cookies, or best in the west beans at these events As grandchildren arrived Audrey went into “fun mode” creating special meals and adventures. She took the grands to movies their parents might not have let them see, hikes at the cabin, and swimming at the Tomah pool.
Audrey wrote the following: My journey of life has been filled with rewards far beyond what I hoped. My husband and children have been my treasure and fortune. Thank you my God, you gave me many blessings.
Audrey will be sadly missed by her adult children and their spouses, 24 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren and sister Ruth Steinke.
Audrey repeated a wish many times to her children “When your father and I are gone, I just want you to love each other.” She is watching from above knowing her wish was fulfilled.
In the words of St. Augustine, “Let us not be sorrowful for having lost her, but rather thankful for having had her."
In lieu of flowers please contribute to PBS Wisconsin in memory of Audrey Wiseman.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with a time to share memories beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Tomah. The Torkelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
